When I first arrived in Australia from Syria, I carried many emotions with me. Like many refugees and newcomers, I was grateful to be safe, but I was also overwhelmed by the challenges of starting over in a completely new country.
The NSW government says the state's surf life saving clubs can now apply for a share of $5.5 million through the Surf Club Facility Program, to upgrade, rebuild or future-proof the facilities that keep beaches safe.
The Billinudgel Railway Station building, managed by Byron Shire Council (BSC) on behalf of Transport for NSW (TfNSW), has been used as a free community shop where people can donate unwanted items which are available for others to take since 2022.
Busby Marou have cemented themselves as one of Australia’s premier musical acts, captivating audiences with their distinctly Australian storytelling, masterful musicianship, and undeniable onstage chemistry. For two decades, Tom Busby and Jeremy Marou have forged a musical partnership that blends rich harmonies, heartfelt lyrics, and the kind of effortless synergy that only comes from years of playing together.
The 2026 Soundboks Oz Grom Open saw a fairytale finish to competition yesterday with huge performances, bluebird skies and local wins in dreamy two-foot conditions.
Byron Bay High School’s Mock Trial team achieved a rare trifecta as their debut as a formidable legal team in the Southern Cross University (SCU) Mock Trial competition.
Older women are disproportionately affected by the housing crisis and financial insecurity. They are the fastest-growing group of people experiencing homelessness or at risk of homelessness.
Kyle Lionheart wears his heart on his sleeve at the Mullum Roots Festival last weekend. Photo Jeff Dawson
Did you make it to Mullum Roots Festival on the weekend?
One of the last music festivals still standing delivered a big program across multiple venues in Mullumbimby, with acts including Mental as Anything, Alex Lloyd, Busby Marou, Dave Graney and Bill Chambers, along with a number of emerging local performers.
Check out a great photo gallery from Jeff Dawson.
Dave Graney schmoozed the Mullum Roots Festival at the weekend.
‘Busking Pays, just’ accordioning to this street performer in Mullum at the weekend.
Meanwhile in Bruns, Kate Bush flash Mob to celebrate Kate’s Birthday.
photo; Jeff, ‘a Bush in the Bush is….’ Dawson
Bill Chambers at Mullum Roots Festival. Photo Jeff Dawson
Buskers holding court street side.
Wild Rocket getting down and dirty. Jeff Dawson
Bill Chambers at Mullum Roots Festival. Photo Jeff Dawson
Wild Rocket flying. Jeff Dawson
Young performer rocking Mullum Roots fest
Raconteur Kristina Olsen entrancing the audience at the Mullum Roots Fest.
Punters loving it at the Top Pub at the Mullum Roots Festival over the weekend. Jeff Dawson
Just washed it and I can’t do a thing with it.
Revellers revelling the Top Pub at the Mullum Roots Festival over the weekend
No one tells stories and writes songs quite like Kristina Olsen.
Dave Graney schmoozed the Mullum Roots Festival audience at the weekend.
Minnie Marks. Photo jeff Dawson
Kyle Lionheart wears his heart on his sleeve at the Mullum Roots Festival last weekend. Photo Jeff Dawson
Wanita Queen Of Honkytonk, raw and honest performance at the Mullum Roots Festival. Jeff Dawson
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The 2026 Soundboks Oz Grom Open saw a fairytale finish to competition yesterday with huge performances, bluebird skies and local wins in dreamy two-foot conditions.
'Elemental: Conversations with Nature' is the title of a forthcoming exhibition featuring eight established and midcareer artists working across painting, drawing, weaving, ceramics, and textiles. Inspired by the natural world, each artist explores the forms, patterns, materials, and forces found in nature.
Member for Lismore Janelle Saffin is calling on residents of the Lismore electorate to get their nominations in for the 2027 NSW Women of the Year Awards.
Wild Rocket blast into Mullum as Mullum Roots Festival lights up the town this coming weekend. Three venues around Mullum will host music, while songwriting workshops will happen at the Drill Hall Theatre on Sunday.
Who knows how many terrific ideas have wafted and dissolved after long literary lunches? This one didn’t – a shared idea took root, and after a lot of hard work the Northern Rivers Writers Centre, based in Lismore, was born and its first Byron Writers Festival took place in 1997.
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Become one of the supporters who helps keep independent, local journalism alive in the Byron Shire by contributing anything from as little as the cost of a coffee each month.
✓ You're Wonderful, Thank you for supporting independent journalism in the Byron Shire